Online safety for young people

When it comes to online safety there are lots of terms and phrases you should be aware of. This will help keep you and your young person safe online. Internet Matters has a full glossary in case you come across a word or phrase you are not familiar with.

Phishing includes fake websites, emails and other communication designed to trick people into disclosing private information. Other forms of phishing include:

• Vishing (voice phishing over the phone)
• Smishing (SMS phishing)
• Quishing (using fake QR codes so you visit a malicious website)

Spyware is software that gathers information about a person and what they do online usually to steal data or invade privacy.

Grooming is someone building a relationship with a child or young person so they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them.

Sexting includes sending, receiving, or sharing sexually explicit messages, photographs, or images.

Cyberbullying is bullying or harassment online or electronically.

Fake news and disinformation is news that is not true and deliberately misleading. Often by profiles or websites that look genuine.